This week's WWE Raw taped Monday in the U.K. opened with full pyro and Michael Cole introducing the show for the first-time-ever from Liverpool. After a pause, John Cena's music hit to strong boos and cheers. Cena wiped down a car on-stage, walked past the obligatory phone booth, and stormed the ring. Two minutes for the first Twitter plug of the night. Cena surveyed the arena before talking to the crowd. Pause for chants for and against Cena. Cena then noted the WrestleMania 28 ticket sales before naming The Rock. Pause for "Rocky, Rocky" chant.

Cena said Rock couldn't make it tonight, but he accepted his invitation to be his tag partner at Survivor Series. Cena noted it's never before & never again. He said he's angry because everyone is talking about next week when Rock comes back to Raw. But, he thinks people should be talking about tonight. Cena said he thinks tonight is a pretty important night because it's the first time Liverpool has hosted Raw. So, tonight, they make magic and the madness meets the mania because Miz & Truth are in a tag match against him and a future WWE Hall of Famer.

Miz and Truth's music interrupted before Cena could name the individual. Miz questioned the future Hall of Famer label before noting he doesn't see Cena teaming with him or Truth tonight. He said all he's been hearing about this week is how Cena embarrassed them last week. But, that's just going to up the ante for what they do to Cena and Rock at Survivor Series. Miz admitted Cena beat him last week, but he did something no one else has been able to do: pin Cena at WrestleMania in the middle of the ring. Miz said he's spent the last seven days replaying last week's Raw over and over in his head. He said that is the last time Cena ever embarrass them again. Once before, but never again. Miz said that in tonight's tag match, they will leave Cena with a lasting impression he'll never forget.

Truth spoke note. He asked Cena if he knows what it's like to have all the Little Jimmys laughing at him. "Don't what me!" Truth shouted at the crowd. Truth told Cena no one is going to be laughing at what happens at Survivor Series. He said Cena won't be laughing after tonight. Truth vowed that whoever Cena teams with tonight is going to "get got tonight." Cena mocked Truth, then mocked Miz acting mad. Cena said his tag partner tonight is the Fifth Beatle, Sixth Man, Seventh Game, etc.

Miz told Cena to shut it because it doesn't matter who Cena is teaming with. Cena took offense as Miz and Truth entered the ring. Cena no-sold their attempt to stalk him before Whoo Whoo Whoo brought out Zack Ryder. A brawl was on and Cena cleared Miz before Ryder dropped Truth with a Rough Ryder. Cena and Ryder then stood together in the ring and did Ryder's fist pump. They shook hands and it's on for tonight. "Future Hall of Famer?" Lawler said. Miz and Truth backed up the ramp as Cena and Ryder stood tall in the ring to set up the main event.

In-ring: Cue up Dolph Ziggler's theme music to bring out the U.S. champ and Vickie. Lawler referenced Zack Ryder's online petition to receive a future U.S. Title shot after pinning Ziggler on Raw last week, which Cole disagreed with and vowed not to sign. John Morrison then came out as Cole referenced Morrison's recent losing ways, having not won a TV match since August.

A black-and-white theme to this match, as Vickie was in a white shirt and black tie, Ziggler was in black wrestling shorts, Morrison was in black and white/silver pants, and the referee was in zebra stripes. Cole continued to rip Ryder's petition while trying to incorporate some sports analogies that failed, as pointed out by Lawler. The two men in the ring went back and forth as the crowd settled into their seats before Cole fed to a break at 3:00.

[Commercial Break]

Back on Raw, Ziggler was working over Morrison as Cole suggested Morrison's losing streak was about to continue. The announcers then bickered over whether Morrison was dominated during the break or not. Ziggler took his time wearing down Morrison before taunting him with verbal and right hand jabs. Morrison had enough and snapped on Ziggler before almost getting himself DQ'ed. Ziggler capitalized with a back elbow smash for a two count to resume control. The audience started a dueling chant of "Let's go Ziggler / Let's go Morrison." Lawler would normally call this bizarro world, but said he likes a crowd split right down the middle.

Vickie sold concern ringside as Morrison finally scored with some offense and scored a nearfall following a neckbreaker. Morrison then wanted Starship Pain, but Ziggler moved and Morrison landed on his feet. The two men traded holds before Ziggler hit a guillotine leg drop for a two count. Morrison then came back with a springboard kick strike, but Vickie had the ref distracted on a pin attempt. Suddenly, Morrison rolled up Ziggler from behind and scored a surprise three count to end the streak.

[Q3] Post-match: Ziggler sold frustration as Vickie screamed toward Morrison. Cole sarcastically said Morrison should start a petition for a U.S. Title shot after pinning the U.S. champ in a non-title match. Lawler noted Ziggler is now on a losing streak after this outcome. There was also a camera shot of the audience in the floor seats running down toward the ring barrier in old-school WWF fashion.

WINNER: Morrison at 13:03. Solid singles match. The crowd wasn't as hot for the nearfalls as you would expect, but WWE has beaten the life out of Morrison's character for so many weeks that the audience doesn't have reason to invest in Morrison. (**)

[Commercial Break. The first Randy Orton "WWE '12" video game spot aired with a break down of the new features in the new franchise video game.]

Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged Survivor Series, then formally announced the Team Orton vs. Team Barrett ten-man elimination match.

In-ring: One of the participants, Mason Ryan, came out for the next match. JTG was already in the ring as the camera continued to focus on Ryan making his way to the ring. Cue up a video package focusing on the many hairstyles of Ryan and his powerhouse background.

2 -- MASON RYAN vs. JTG

Mason toyed with JTG early on as Cole noted Ryan has a degree in construction management from Cardiff U. The crowd was quiet as Ryan went through his power routine dismantling JTG. Ryan put JTG on his shoulders for a submission before going back to the power offense. Ryan screamed, then hoisted JTG into the air for a powerslam. Ryan followed with a full nelson, tossed him around like the Masterlock, and turned it into a full nelson slam for the pin and the win. Lawler called him a cartoon character or a superhero as they replayed the finish.

Backstage: The Bella Twins were shown talking Beatles and Liverpool before Zack Ryder jumped into the shot. The Bellas faked out Ryder that a sneak attack was coming, but he said this is his night. They did Ryder's Woo Woo bit before Ryder told them to sign his petition and call him.

Tonight: Kevin Nash returns.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4] Announcers: Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler were shown on-camera. Cole said the Michael Cole Challenge will not be happening tonight. Cole said TSA would not allow Jim Ross to fly from New York City to Liverpool tonight because he had too much BBQ sauce, so he was apprehended. Not even an attempt to be clever. Cole said the MCC is still on for next week in Boston if Ross accepts because it will not be "Raw gets Rocked, but Raw gets Coled." They stayed with Cole's awkward hard sell as Lawler rolled his eyes.

Back to the ring, Ricardo Rodriguez introduced Alberto Del Rio, who emerged off-stage in his vehicle of the week. As Del Rio came to the ring, they cut to footage from last Monday when C.M. Punk forced Del Rio to give him a title match at Survivor Series. Cole called it ridiculous and not what John Laurinaitis had in mind. Kofi Kingston then came out to face Del Rio. So odd WWE would put the WWE champion in another unhyped singles match. Cole then plugged WWE's latest social media initiative launching a Google+ page.

The bell sounded as Lawler noted tonight's Raw could be Cole's last full episode if he loses the MCC to Ross next week. Del Rio smashed Kingston to the outside early on before rolling Kingston back into the ring to inflict more punishment. Kingston landed some offense before Del Rio aggressively threw him shoulder-first into the ringpost. Del Rio followed with the cross arm-breaker and Kingston was forced to tap out.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 2:09. Nice, decisive win for Del Rio, but odd to use Kingston in this spot. Of note, there was no mention of a suspended Evan Bourne or the state of the Tag Titles.

Post-match: Del Rio wasn't done and reapplied the cross arm-breaker to Kingston. Suddenly, Cult of Personality played to bring out C.M. Punk with a "you've been a bad boy, Berto" look on his face. Punk stood on the entrance ramp and they cut to break as Cole created a hook to come back by asking whether Punk is going to drop another pipe bomb.

In-ring: Back on Raw, Del Rio had a mic in-hand facing Punk in the ring. Del Rio noted Punk he was supposed to ask him - ask! - if he could have a title shot at Survivor Series. Instead, Punk waited until Big Show KO'ed him and, just like a coward, forced him to give him the shot. "C-M-Punk" chant, which annoyed Del Rio. Del Rio said this country doesn't matter and they are a joke, just like Punk. Pathetic and ugly, just like Punk. Another "C-M-Punk" chant as Del Rio sent him a message from John Laurinaitis that Punk has the chance to cancel the match or he will force Punk to cancel it.

Punk smirked, paused for another Punk chant, and sarcastically said he didn't know he had to get in line for a title shot at Survivor Series. Punk sarcastically apologized before going back through history on how Del Rio became WWE champ. Punk noted Del Rio cashed in his MITB briefcase, then beat him with a lead pipe at Hell in a Cell. Punk said apparently being a cheap-shot artist works, so that's why he did it to Del Rio.

[Q5 -- second hour] Del Rio demanded to be treated with respect. Punk told Del Rio that when he opens his mouth, he's one-dimensional. Punk mocked his "it's my destiny" speeches and other than that, Del Rio doesn't have anything interesting to say. Punk said when the people are watching Raw on the DVR, they see Del Rio with a mic and fast-forward without missing a thing. Del Rio sold indignation before Punk told Del Rio he's going to listen to him. Punk said Del Rio is a hell of a competitor, but at Survivor Series, he's going to beat Del Rio and become WWE champion. Punk vowed to make the WWE Title interesting again. Del Rio said he doesn't care what Punk or the crowd thinks. Del Rio said he is WWE champion, which makes him best in the world. Not Punk.

Del Rio told Punk for the last time to cancel the match. Yes or No? Punk sold thinking it over before turning back toward Del Rio and shouting, "No!" Punk dropped his mic, then Del Rio smashed him with right hands. Del Rio then tried the cross arm-breaker, but Punk countered with his submission hold. Ricardo then broke it up and Del Rio rolled out of the ring. Punk easily hoisted him up for the GTS, leaving Del Rio to seethe on the entrance ramp. Cue up Cult of Personality.

Segment Reax: Really good at some points and too insider at other points dragging down the segment. Punk's shtick is he plays to the insider crowd, but talking about the relevance of the WWE Title or someone's lack of mic skills has no place on the show. At least he got to the point of vowing to beat Del Rio in a wrestling match, which is what they should be trying to sell, but it's another mixed bag with the overall presentation.

Last Monday: a video package recap of The Muppets on Raw interacting with the Raw and Smackdown stars. Plus, some sit-down interview soundbytes from the various Muppets talking about the show and their movie.

In-ring: Jack Swagger was out next, accompanied by Vickie Guerrero. Earlier Tonight: Swagger promo. He tried to find the words to explain how he, a former World Hvt. champion, lost last week to a Muppet. Back on Raw, Santino came out to face Swagger. Santino, sporting a karate t-shirt (like a wedding tuxedo t-shirt), had the Cobra attached to his right arm.

[Q6]

4 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. SANTINO

Cole went through Swagger's background, including playing college football at OU. Lawler followed with a Penn St. joke that it's a good thing Swagger didn't go to Penn St. because "all of those guys are going to end up at State Penn." Cole followed with more JR jokes to hype the MCC next week. Lawler followed with a pig joke on Vickie. In the ring, Swagger and Santino went back and forth for a bit before Swagger's eye started twitching and he slapped on the anklelock. Santino tapped out, giving Swagger the win. Post-match, Swagger did his victory lap as Vickie applauded.

WINNER: Swagger via submission at 3:02. This one had the trifecta of awful commentary. Tasteless attempt at a Penn St. joke with alleged child abuse involved affecting real lives, a fat joke on Vickie, and more J.R. bullying.

Backstage: Kelly Kelly was shown walking down the hallway. Lawler said she's out next.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Jerry Lawler announced Kelly Kelly will be on the cover of Maxim magazine next week before bringing out his "all-time favorite Diva." In the ring, Kelly talked about her cover before Beth Phoenix and Natalya interrupted. After some back and forth, Eve and Alicia Fox ran down to the ring to make the save and run off the heels. Eve then unveiled Kelly's Maxim cover to the crowd's delight.

WWE '12 hype video: Cole and Lawler plugged the new franchise video game as gameplay footage of Punk vs. Del Rio was shown. Cole noted he and Lawler are characters in the game, so he can beat Lawler again after beating him at WrestleMania.

Up Next: Kevin Nash returns.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7] In-ring: John Laurinaitis was introduced to boos as Cole wondered they would be greeted by the interim Raw GM. Laurinaitis stood on-stage and introduced his newest Superstar signing at the behest of Triple H, Kevin Nash. Cue up the now-vapid NWO theme music to bring out Nash in a leather jacket, t-shirt, and jeans. Nash stomped out to the ring before they went to a video package from two weeks ago when Nash assaulted Hunter with a sledgehammer and sent him to the hospital.

Back in the ring, Nash thanked Laurinaitis for bringing him back. Nash said he doesn't owe anyone an explanation for his actions and the only person who deserves an explanation is sitting in Connecticut with a headache. Nash went back to 1995. He said he watched Hunter walk into WWF and he now he thinks he should have buried him. Nash said Shawn Michaels vouched for him and he allowed Hunter into their Clique. He said Hunter won him over and they had something so unusual in the business: a real friendship. Fast-forward to Royal Rumble 2011 when he got the biggest pop of the night and then asked Hunter to put the band back together. Nash said not only did he get a "no," but not even a response. Nash said Hunter betrayed him and without him, he would be nothing. Nash said Hunter turned their friendship into a nice, little career.

Nash said Triple H gave him a has-been Legends contract, but he's still the best there is. Nash said he could become World champion any night of the week. He said he booked himself in a main event by taking a sledgehammer to Hunter. Nash said he took advantage of Hunter with his own sledgehammer and, as far as he's concerned, he showed how to play The Game. Nash stared into the hard camera as Cole described him as one of the nastiest men in WWE history. Nash stepped over the top rope and left the ring as Lawler wondered aloud what Hunter thinks about that. Cole said Hunter has at least a month to think about it.

Video package: Brodus Clay. He's the beginning and the end.

Backstage: Laurinaitis was shown talking to David Otunga about signing Kevin Nash. Otunga asked about Clay and Laurinaitis said he can't waste Clay's return in front of Liverpool. He said he's saving him for a more sophisticated audience in America. C.M. Punk jumped into the shot and told Laurinaitis he will be the new WWE champion. Punk asked Otunga if he has something to say. Otunga said he doesn't see the WWE champion being someone who looks like he works at a gas station. Punk laughed sarcastically then said that's almost as corny as this one - "Would you like regular (left fist) or unleaded (right fist)?" Punk then popped Otunga with right hands before Del Rio jumped Punk from behind. Laurinaitis demanded referees pull Del Rio away as Del Rio landed some blows. Punk was left alone in the camera shot selling the effects.

Up next: Miz & Truth vs. Cena & Ryder main event.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8] Moments Ago: Things heating up between Del Rio and Punk two weeks before Survivor Series. Lawler said it was Del Rio's way of trying to tell Punk he should have taken the out on their title match. Back on-camera, Cole said this is becoming personal leading up to their title match. Lawler said he can't wait to see them mix it up.

Times Square in New York City: Cole narrated hype for Cena vs. Rock and a shot of a bus going by with the WM28 graphic art.

In-ring: The Miz and R-Truth came to the ring for the main event. Cole recapped the Cena vs. Miz main event last week when Cena beat Miz despite interference by R-Truth dressed in a Scream mask for Halloween. Back in the ring, Miz and Truth sold disdain after watching the video recap. Zack Ryder then came out first for the babyface duo. Cole heeled on Ryder and Lawler said Cole seems jealous of Ryder's popularity. Ryder waited ringside for Cena, who came out for the second time on the show and stormed the ring, followed by Ryder.

5 -- JOHN CENA & ZACK RYDER vs. THE MIZ & R-TRUTH

Cena and Truth started things off, but Truth decided to duck out of the ring and tag in Miz. Cena delivered offense on Miz as the crowd chanted, "We want Ryder." Cena acknowledged the chant as Truth re-entered. Cena then slapped Truth over the ear and the heels regrouped on the outside. No Ryder as Cena readied to square off against Truth again. Instead, Cena tagged in Ryder and gave him a pat on the shoulder. Ryder entered the ring and delivered a pancake before throwing Truth clear over the top rope to the floor. Truth clutched the back of his head as they cut to break with the faces in control.

[Commercial Break]

Back on Raw, Miz and Truth were working over Cena as they went to several replays of Truth smashing the back of his head on the floor prior to break. Lawler called it a concussion causer. Yet, not even a kayfabe medical check of Truth to see if he could continue to send a message that concussions are a serious issue. The heels continued to work over Cena as Ryder waited for a hot tag on the ring apron. Meanwhile, the crowd picked up a "Let's go Cena / Cena sucks" chant.

[Q9 -- over-run] Cena made the hot tag to Ryder at the top of the hour. Suddenly, all four men were in the ring. Cena put on Ryder's sunglasses, did the fist pump, and did a simultaneous Broski Boot. Ryder then wanted the Rough Ryder on Miz, but Truth popped him in the head from the ring apron. The heels then isolated Ryder as Lawler played up the idea of seeing a better tag match at Survivor Series with The Rock in Ryder's place. Another dueling chant as Cena waited for a tag on the ring apron and the announcers hyped Rock and Cena together in the same ring at Survivor Series. When it's delusional lead announcer Cole trying to create the imagery for that moment in The Garden, you know the PPV hype is in trouble.

Ryder made the tag to Cena at 16:30 and Miz tagged in for Truth. Cena delivered his signature offense on both men before setting up for a double You Can't See Me. Cena opted to bring in Ryder to help him with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Both men bounced off the ropes and delivered the Shuffle. Ryder then dumped Truth to the outside. Back in the ring, Miz delivered a kick to Cena's head and covered Cena as Truth held down Cena's feet from the outside. Miz with the pin for the win. Cole wasn't able to seize the moment on commentary as Cena laughed to sell that he couldn't believe he was pinned by Miz. The heels retreated up the entrance ramp as Cena shouted toward the stage that they got their one victory, but they won't get two. That's how Raw concluded.

WINNERS: Miz & Truth at 17:18. Except for the heels winning, this came across like a house show main event from the in-ring storytelling to the action to the commentary. WWE tried to erase last week when Cena easily discarded Awesome Truth and re-establish some credibility for the heel duo here, but the uninspired commentary and Cole's inability to sell a big moment hurt the proceedings. Meanwhile, The Rock's first match in seven years at Survivor Series still hasn't been made to feel like a big deal, which puts WWE in a tough spot next week where they can't give away too much with Rock back on Raw TV, but have to create enough momentum to get people to spend $45 to see Rock at Survivor Series. (**)

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)

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